Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
Course profile

Introduction to Aboriginal Studies (ABTS1000)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Would you want to write about being a brain surgeon without having researched or talked to a brain surgeon? How would you react if someone tells your life story to others even if they have never met you? Has a book ever changed your mind on something you thought was unequivocally true?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have notably been one of the most written about nations in the world; however, they are also the ones who never get to speak their truth. Indigenous people, culture and policies, and most importantly, their voices, are often missing in the mainstream media, or severely misrepresented by those speaking from outside the community. 

After all, the 'victors' get to tell the stories of those they have subjugated.

Students will learn from Indigenous people about Australian history, Indigenous cultures, and past and contemporary oppressive policies. Students will learn about history and truth-telling from an Indigenous perspective. At the same time, they will learn to critically and reflectively engage with Indigenous cultures and writing. This course will provide students with a much deeper understanding and critical engagement of Australia’s identity as a nation, one that still struggles with racism and equality for Indigenous communities and individuals. Students will learn to be discerning in their analysis of readings and understand how to implement new lenses to examine historical and contemporary events, Indigenous people, communities and culture, and their own positionality.

Students will emerge with a greater knowledge of true Indigenous history, oppressive policies and the depth and diversity of Indigenous cultures. At the same time, they will begin to develop critical analysis tools and reflective writing to better be able to inhabit new perspectives and form a deeper understanding of their own positionality.

This course is divided into the following four modules:

• Module 1: Indigenous history (foundational knowledge)

• Module 2: Contemporary Indigenous policies, events and figures, and institutionalised racism

• Module 3: Reflective Writing, Positionality & Critical Writing

• Module 4: Indigenous Excellence


Course requirements

Assumed background

No prior knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues is assumed in this course.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

The nature of this course demands a flexible schedule that can adapt itself to the availability of guest lecturers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community Elders and speakers. Weekly course content and readings will outline the structure and issues addressed throughout the semester. Community Elders and guest speakers will presentᅠand participateᅠin various lectures.ᅠStudents should be aware Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community protocol requires that they remain in lectures conducted by community Elders until the speaker has finished, if possible.ᅠAdherence to this protocol shows respect toᅠcommunity Elders and leaders, who are sharing their time voluntarily.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to commence the development of students' critical skills and knowledge necessary for balanced understandings of the history, contemporary issues and in-depth perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.ᅠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Discuss significant historical Indigenous events and policies.

LO2.

Discuss significant contemporary Indigenous events and policies.

LO3.

Articulate their own positionality in relation to Indigenous policies, history and communities.

LO4.

Apply an Indigenous lens to Australian history.

LO5.

Develop their reflective writing and observations.

LO6.

Critically analyse readings and Australian history.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Essay/ Critique, Notebook/ Logbook Assessment 1: Essay on 1 significant historical Indigenous event, policy or figure and 1 significant contemporary Indigenous event, policy or figure 30%

4/04/2025 5:00 pm

Reflection Knowledge Basket x 3: Write 3 400 word reflections on specific topics. 30%

2/05/2025 5:00 pm

Presentation Critical Critique and Presentation
  • In-person
  • Online
40%

19/05/2025 9:00 am

Presentations will take place during tutorial times in Week 12, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and lecture time and tutorial times in Week 13, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For students presenting online, you must have your transcripts in on Monday, Week 12, the 19 of May 2025, 9am and must upload their video, via submission video link, before the end of Week 13, on the Friday.

Assessment details

Assessment 1: Essay on 1 significant historical Indigenous event, policy or figure and 1 significant contemporary Indigenous event, policy or figure

Mode
Written
Category
Essay/ Critique, Notebook/ Logbook
Weight
30%
Due date

4/04/2025 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L05, L06

Task description

Word Count: 1,000 words

Date to be submitted: Friday, 4 April 2025, 5pm, end of Week 6 

Task Description: This assessment is about showing your understanding of the Indigenous historical and contemporary issues, events and/or policies that have been discussed in this course.

You can critically analyse these two subjects in several ways:

• Critically analyse how your two chosen subjects have impacted Indigenous communities.

• Critically analyse if one subject incorporated and consulted Indigenous voices, and if one subject didn’t. You can also make the argument that both subjects didn’t incorporate Indigenous voices or that both subjects did.

• Critically analyse what subject uses a strengths-based approach and what subject used a deficit-based approach.

As long as your essay includes critical analysis of a historical and contemporary subject, students are welcome to come up with their own topic.


Use of artificial intelligence (AI)



While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.



 

Submission guidelines

via Turnitin

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

If you need to submit an extension, this needs to be done before the submission date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Knowledge Basket x 3: Write 3 400 word reflections on specific topics.

Mode
Written
Category
Reflection
Weight
30%
Due date

2/05/2025 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

This assessment engages storying principles theorised by Phillips and Bunda in their work Research Through, With and As Storying (2018), available online from the UQ Library.


Word Count: 1,200 words


Task Description: Through this course, you will have done a lot of tutorial work on what reflective writing is and practiced how to reflect on the subjects covered. This assessment is about exploring this skillset, exploring your own positionality and reflecting thoughtfully and insightfully on the following topics.


For Reflection 1, write about what land you belong to/places that are special to you and how that makes you relate to Indigenous culture.

For Reflection 2, write about your own positionality and what it has been like trying to think of Australian history through an Indigenous lens. 

For Reflection 3, write about an Indigenous person whose work has impacted you in some way. This needs to be about someone you learned about in this course (for example, ‘Anita Heiss’ writing inspired me to learn more about the history of the Country I live on…’). 


Use of artificial intelligence (AI)



While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.



 

Submission guidelines

via Turnitin

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

If you need to submit an extension, this needs to be done before the submission date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Critical Critique and Presentation

  • In-person
  • Online
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Presentation
Weight
40%
Due date

19/05/2025 9:00 am

Presentations will take place during tutorial times in Week 12, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and lecture time and tutorial times in Week 13, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For students presenting online, you must have your transcripts in on Monday, Week 12, the 19 of May 2025, 9am and must upload their video, via submission video link, before the end of Week 13, on the Friday.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L06

Task description

Using one of the creative writing readings from this course, analyse what you think the meaning of the piece is and what aspect of Indigenous culture or history it discusses, and present it to the class or through an online video.

10 minute presentation

Word Count: Between 1,200 and 1,500 words.


Note: Presentation transcript due for everyone on Monday, Week 12, the 19 of May 2025, 9am. Presentations will take place during tutorial times in Week 12, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and lecture time and tutorial times in Week 13, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For students presenting online, you must have your transcripts in on Monday, Week 12, the 19 of May 2025, 9am and must upload their video, via submission video link, before the end of Week 13, on the Friday.


Students present during the last two weeks of the semester (in the tutorials and the final lecture). This assessment provides an opportunity for the course lecturer to assess students’ overall competencies and learning outcomes of ABTS1000.


Part 1


Students are required to submit a copy of their presentation transcript, notes or paper (1200–1500 words) by the 19 May 2025 at 9am.


Part 2


Students are required to deliver a ten-minute presentation in class/tutorial.


Use of artificial intelligence (AI)



While students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools.


Submission guidelines

Presentation transcript due to be submitted via Turnitin for everyone on Monday, Week 12, the 19 of May 2025, 9am. Presentations will take place during tutorial times in Week 12, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and lecture time and tutorial times in Week 13, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For students presenting online, you must have your transcripts in on Monday, Week 12, the 19 of May 2025, 9am and must upload their video, via submission video link, before the end of Week 13, on the Friday.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

If you need to submit an extension, this needs to be done before the submission date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 29.99

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 30 - 44.99

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49.99

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50 - 64.99

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74.99

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84.99

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

If you areᅠcompletely new to Aboriginal peoples and history, or looking for a quick refresher, we recommend:


For a guide to APA 7th referencing,ᅠrefer to ᅠAPA 7th referencing style.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Filter activity type by

Please select
Clear filters
Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(24 Feb - 02 Mar)

Lecture

Week 1 Lecture

Beginning of Module 1. Introduction to Aboriginal Studies. We will discuss Aboriginal culture before invasion, give an overview of the course, teaching staff and important terminologies. Lecturer: Dr Allanah Hunt

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Tutorial

Tutorial 1a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 1b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 1c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06

Week 2

(03 Mar - 09 Mar)

Lecture

Week 2 Lecture

We will learn and discuss Indigenous history, covering foundational knowledge about the invasion, the Frontier Wars, the Stolen Generation, Assimilation Policies, etc. It is also about looking at Australian history through an Indigenous lens.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 2a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 2b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 2c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 3

(10 Mar - 16 Mar)

Lecture

Week 3 Lecture

We will continue to learn more about Indigenous history, looking at famous Indigenous historical figures and events like Charles Perkins and the Freedom Rides, leading up to the 1967 Referendum. End of Module 1.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 3a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 3b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 3c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 4

(17 Mar - 23 Mar)

Lecture

Week 4 Lecture

Start of Module 2. We will learn and discuss contemporary Indigenous culture, events and policies part 1.

Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 4a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 4b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 4c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 5

(24 Mar - 30 Mar)

Lecture

Week 5 Lecture

We will learn about and discuss contemporary Indigenous culture, events and policies part 2, emphasising listening to Indigenous voices.

Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 5a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 5b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 5c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 6

(31 Mar - 06 Apr)

Lecture

Week 6 Lecture

Guest Lecture by Dr Maggie Nolan about Blackwords, a resource for Aboriginal literature. End of Module 2.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 6a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 6b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 6c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 7

(07 Apr - 13 Apr)

Lecture

Week 7 Lecture

Start of Module 3. Guest Lecture by Professor Tracey Bunda on Storying Principles (Reflective Writing).

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Tutorial

Tutorial 7a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05

Tutorial

Tutorial 7b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05

Tutorial

Tutorial 7c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05

Week 8

(14 Apr - 20 Apr)

Lecture

Week 8 Lecture

We will discuss and learn about Critical Writing, Reflective Writing and Positionality.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 8a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 8b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 8c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Mid-sem break

(21 Apr - 27 Apr)

Lecture

Mid-Semester Break (Lecture)

Mid-Semester Break. No lecture.

Tutorial

Mid-Semester Break (Tutorial A)

Mid-Semester Break. No tutorial.

Tutorial

Mid-Semester Break (Tutorial B)

Mid-Semester Break. No tutorial.

Tutorial

Mid-Semester Break (Tutorial C)

Mid-Semester Break. No tutorial.

Week 9

(28 Apr - 04 May)

Lecture

Week 9 Lecture

 Guest Lecture by Professor Anne Pattel-Grey on Indigenous culture and spirituality, and her own research on intergenerational trauma and historical brutalities by the church to Indigenous communities, particularly children. End of Module 3.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 9a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 9b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 9c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 10

(05 May - 11 May)

Lecture

Week 10 Lecture (Public Holiday)

Start of Module 4. Public Holiday. No Lecture. Tutorials will proceed as normal.

Tutorial

Tutorial 10a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 10b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04

Tutorial

Tutorial 10c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06

Week 11

(12 May - 18 May)

Lecture

Week 11 Lecture

We will learn about Indigenous Excellence, through the subjects of Sports, Music, Writing and Sciences, as well as thinking about stereotypes.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 11a

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 11b

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 11c

Discussion of weekly readings and themes. We will do activities in the tutorial that will teach students skills that will help them in the assessments and give them a chance to practice those skills.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06

Week 12

(19 May - 25 May)

Lecture

Week 12 Lecture

We will learn about Indigenous Excellence, through the subjects of Activists, Health, Education and the Justice System. We will also discuss in detail the upcoming presentations for Assessment 3. End of Module 4.

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 12a (Presentations)

Presentations for Assessment 3 will replace the tutorial.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 12b (Presentations)

Presentations for Assessment 3 will replace the tutorial.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 12c (Presentations)

Presentations for Assessment 3 will replace the tutorial.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06

Week 13

(26 May - 01 Jun)

Lecture

Week 13 Lecture (Presentations)

Presentations for Assessment 3 will replace the lecture.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 13a (Presentations)

Presentations for Assessment 3 will replace the tutorial.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 13b (Presentations)

Presentations for Assessment 3 will replace the tutorial.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06

Tutorial

Tutorial 13c (Presentations)

Presentations for Assessment 3 will replace the tutorial.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.